Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos spoke to Real Madrid TV after receiving the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany this Thursday at the Bernabéu. He was asked what it meant to him to receive it, to which he replied: “I am very happy. I have received several awards in my career, but this is the highest honor that can be received in Germany. And if it is also for the Foundation, where we help sick children and their families, this award means a lot.”
Kroos on the surprise
“I knew that Florentino Pérez and the German president would be there, but I didn’t know that my former teammates would be there. Not even Antonio (Rüdiger), who is a very good friend, told me. It was a surprise, and it makes me happy to know that I had good teammates and good people.”
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Kroos on receiving him at the Bernabéu
“When they told me that the event was going to be at the Bernabéu I was very happy, because it seems like the perfect place to receive this Order. It has been my home for 10 years and I feel that it will always be my home. I always enjoy being in this stadium.”
Kroos on the farewell at the Bernabéu
“The whole day was spectacular, weeks before I had already said that I wanted to say goodbye at the
Bernabéu, when we no longer had anything left at stake, and we finally had to be champions, to be able to enjoy it. That’s exactly what happened and from the moment I left home until the moment I returned I enjoyed it. What they prepared for me, the love of the fans, my teammates, the president, the coach… It was special.”
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Florentino Pérez’s speech for Toni Kroos
“It is a great honor to welcome the President of the Federal Republic of Germany and the entire delegation of this great country, so loved by all of us, to our stadium. Dear President, I would like to express our gratitude to you for having chosen the Bernabéu to honor one of the greatest legends of our club, our beloved Toni Kroos.
For us he is a role model of the values that Real Madrid represents worldwide. In the 10 seasons that he has worn our shirt he has been an example of work, sacrifice, perseverance, humility, respect and solidarity. And it has also contributed to something very important: it has helped us strengthen the bond between our two countries, Germany and Spain.
We are all especially moved by what this decoration represents that you receive today from the President of your country. Today the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany is awarded to a great gentleman of sport. Those of us who have enjoyed his understanding of football know that we have had the privilege of witnessing one of the greatest players of all time.
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Toni Kroos retired at the peak of his career, being European champion with Real Madrid, in a legendary stadium like Wembley, and representing the German team in the last European Championship. Dear Toni, we are very proud of you and that you are receiving this recognition from your country in this stadium where you have been so happy. Here you have given us your unforgettable football.
You have won the hearts of everyone who has seen you play and I want you to know that, as president of Real Madrid, it has been an honor to have you with us during one of the most successful times in our history. Today you receive the recognition of your country, and you also carry our love and admiration forever. Thank you for everything you have given to Real Madrid.
And thank you also for your charitable work with the Foundation that you created, together with your wife Jessica, 10 years ago. We are all grateful for the work of this Foundation with children who are seriously ill. Dear Toni, congratulations on this important award and know that Real Madrid is and will always be your home.”